Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal communication term papers show that nonverbal communication involves multiple channels, is continuous and more ambiguous in nature, and often contradicts the spoken word. When nonverbal and verbal communication conflict, individuals are much more likely to rely on nonverbal clues as a means to interpret the sender's true meaning. Get help on your research paper today so that you are free to consentrate on other studies!

Nonverbal communication is communication conveyed by expressions of the face and eyes, movement and body posture, vocal characteristics, clothing, physical environment and distance among other methods. Nonverbal communalization plays a role in all communication: it is impossible to communicate without sending out nonverbal clues. These clues help others determine the truth behind one's words and their true feelings. Nonverbal communication is a powerful form of communication in that it expresses and reveals attitudes and attributes that may not be expressed by the words spoken.

One broad area of nonverbal communication involves body position and motion. Referred to as kinesics, this area of nonverbal communication encompasses the following:

• Posture
• Facial Expressions
• Eye Contact
• Gestures
• Body Orientation

Individuals use these channels to convey a variety of emotions as well as to display important clues regarding their personality.

Posture is a powerful way in which individuals send nonverbal clues. Posture clues are often very subtle in nature so that individuals have to really look in order to see them. On the other hand, some posture clues are very apparent. For instance, when an individual slumps forward he or she is usually perceived as being bored or extremely interested. A person who sits with their arms crossed is sending out a nonverbal message that they are closed to information. Posture clues are the easiest to interpret when the receiver notices subtle changes the sender may not be aware of.

An individual's posture provides important clues as to how an individual is feeling on the inside. A person who is sitting in a rigid position is usually threatened by something or someone, while a person sitting in a relaxed position appears to be comfortable in their surroundings. In addition, posture can often signal real or perceived status. In general, lower status individuals are usually more rigid and tense in posture, while those of a higher status appear more relaxed.